U.S. patent application number 12/239113 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for interior window trim kit.
This patent application is currently assigned to HARVEY INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to James S. Tanner.
Application Number | 20090100785 12/239113 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40562056 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tanner; James S. |
April 23, 2009 |
INTERIOR WINDOW TRIM KIT
Abstract
The present invention is directed towards an interior window
trim assembly that can engage with channels found in popularly used
window frames. The window trim assembly can provide a
pre-assembled, easy-to-install treatment for the jamb and casing
surfaces of a window and can provide the same aesthetically and
functionally desirable fit and finish as wooden trim crafted on
site by expert tradesmen.
Inventors: |
Tanner; James S.; (Woburn,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NUTTER MCCLENNEN & FISH LLP
WORLD TRADE CENTER WEST, 155 SEAPORT BOULEVARD
BOSTON
MA
02210-2604
US
|
Assignee: |
HARVEY INDUSTRIES, INC.
|
Family ID: |
40562056 |
Appl. No.: |
12/239113 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60975375 |
Sep 26, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/717.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 1/68 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/717.01 |
International
Class: |
E06B 1/64 20060101
E06B001/64 |
Claims
1. An interior window trim assembly for attachment to a window
frame, the assembly comprising: a generally rectangular,
prefabricated casing having at least a horizontal wooden top casing
element and a plurality of vertical wooden side casing elements,
the casing elements being connected by mitered joints; and a
plurality of extension jambs joined to the casing and extending
perpendicular thereto, the jambs being further adapted to engage a
channel formed in a window frame and provide desired spacing
between the window frame and the casing such that the casing can
lie substantially flat against a finished interior wall.
2. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said top casing element and said side casing elements are connected
using at least one mortise and tenon joint.
3. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said top casing element and said side casing elements are connected
using at least one biscuit joint.
4. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said top casing element and said side casing elements receive an
off-site treatment selected from the group consisting of priming,
staining, cleaning, painting, and sanding.
5. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 1, wherein
said prefabricated casing further comprises at least one bottom
casing element.
6. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said prefabricated casing comprises a simple picture frame.
7. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said bottom casing element is constructed of wood.
8. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said bottom casing element receives an off-site treatment selected
from the group consisting of priming, staining, cleaning, painting,
and sanding.
9. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said bottom casing element and said side casing elements are
connected using at least one mortise and tenon joint.
10. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said bottom casing element and said side casing elements are
connected using at least one biscuit joint.
11. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 5, wherein
said bottom casing element includes stool and apron members.
12. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 11, wherein
said stool and apron members are constructed of wood.
13. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 11, wherein
said stool and apron members receive an off-site treatment selected
from the group consisting of priming, staining, cleaning, painting,
and sanding.
14. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 11, wherein
said stool member has mitered returns on at least one of its
edges.
15. An interior window trim assembly according to claim 11, wherein
said stool member has profiled returns on at least one of its
edges.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/975,375, filed on Sep. 26, 2007 and
entitled "Interior Window Trim Kit," which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to construction
materials and, in particular, to window trim assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional methods of installing interior window trim have
several disadvantages. For example, traditional wood trim
installations require the services of skilled tradesmen because
precise woodworking is necessary to measure, cut, and join trim
boards to each other and to the window or wall. These traditional
installations require the transport of cumbersome tools to and from
the job site and can result in wasted materials and lost time spent
cleaning up. As a result, this method of installing trim is time
consuming and expensive. This method is often used, despite these
disadvantages, because the appearance and high-quality fit and
finish of expert-crafted wood trim has been a desirable feature for
home and building owners.
[0004] Other methods and devices for trimming a window do not use
wood, but instead use extruded vinyl, aluminum, or plastic trim
pieces. These pieces are usually cut to fit on site from lengths of
modular extruded stock. The pieces are typically then fastened to
the window frame, wall, or jamb surface using a series of clips or
mounting brackets. Some of these devices have parts that snap
together, slide together, or are screwed or nailed together, for
example U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,673 of Hubbard and U.S. Pat. No.
5,941,033 of Adams.
[0005] At least one disadvantage of these methods and devices is
that the time and skill required to measure and cut the various
extruded pieces is almost as burdensome and inefficient as that
required for conventional wood trim. Further, the resulting window
trim has the appearance of being made from some material other than
wood and lacks the professional fit and finish that expert
carpenters are able to achieve by constructing custom wood trim
with mitered finger joints.
[0006] Another disadvantage with these methods and devices for
trimming a window is that the snap-fit clips or mounting brackets
often used can fail to reliably secure the trim pieces to the wall,
or can leave aesthetically undesirable gaps between adjacent
surfaces.
[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for window trim assemblies
that are easy-to-install, while at the same time providing the
aesthetically and functionally desirable fit and finish of
expert-crafted wood trim.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention is directed towards an interior window
trim assembly that can engage with channels found in popularly used
window frames. The window trim assembly can provide a
pre-assembled, easy-to-install treatment for the jamb and casing
surfaces of a window and can provide the same aesthetically and
functionally desirable fit and finish as wooden trim crafted on
site by expert tradesmen.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the window trim assembly
includes a generally rectangular, prefabricated casing having at
least a horizontal wooden top casing element, two or more vertical
wooden side casing elements and a set of extension jambs joined to
the casing and extending perpendicular thereto, the jambs being
adapted to engage a channel formed in a window frame and provide
desired spacing between the window frame and the casing such that
the casing can lie substantially flat against a finished interior
wall.
[0010] The trim assembly can further include at least one bottom
casing element. In one embodiment, the bottom element can take the
form of traditional apron and stool members. In another embodiment,
the bottom element can be similar in style to the top and side
elements to form a simple "picture frame" type casing.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the window trim assembly
can include a plurality of extension jambs adapted to engage a
channel formed in a window frame and provide desired spacing
between the window frame and a plurality of casing elements such
that the casing elements can lie substantially flat against a
finished interior wall.
[0012] The present invention provides an interior window trim
assembly that can attach to extruded vinyl, aluminum, or other
types of window frames. The assembly includes trim elements for
both the jamb and casing surfaces of the window area so as to
provide a complete interior trim solution. The elements of the trim
assembly can be sanded, primed, stained, painted, or cleaned
off-site so as to provide a greater ease and efficiency of
installation. Alternatively, the elements of the trim assembly can
be pre-finished on-site prior to installation.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, at least some of the
casing element can be connected by mitered joints, e.g., a mortise
and tenon, biscuit, or other suitable joinery to achieve the same
appearance and durability as wooden window trim crafted onsite by
expert tradesmen.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the window trim assembly
can be designed such that sturdy, easy to install fasteners such as
nails, screws, or staples can be used to affix the assembly to the
wall or window frame.
[0015] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description as follows
and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior window trim
assembly constructed according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a window trimmed using
the interior window trim assembly of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view from above of an
un-finished window installed in a building wall;
[0020] FIG. 3B shows the same cross sectional view as FIG. 3A, only
the window of FIG. 3B is finished using the interior window trim
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a mortise and tenon joint
that can be used in constructing the interior window trim assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a biscuit joint that can be
used in constructing the interior window trim assembly of FIG. 1;
and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention where the trim design is of a
simple picture frame type.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to
provide an overall understanding of the principles of the
structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and
methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the devices and methods specifically
described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are
non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the
present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features
illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary
embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.
Such modifications and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention.
[0025] In a typical unfinished window installation, the interior
wall surface can have a ragged or rough edge where it meets the
perimeter of the rough window opening. These rough edges can be
unsightly and typically require some kind of finish treatment.
Additionally, absent the installation of finish trim, the unsightly
framing member surfaces of the window opening can be left exposed
to the interior of the home or building. These surfaces are
normally covered by other expensive, inefficient trimming methods.
Described herein is an interior window trim assembly that can be
used more easily and efficiently to finish such a window
installation. The interior window trim assembly can include a
casing to cover the rough edges of the interior wall surface and a
plurality of extension jambs to mask the framing member surfaces of
the window opening.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows an interior window trim assembly 10. The
assembly can include a pre-fabricated casing 12 that can further
include a horizontal top casing element 14 and two vertical side
casing elements 16, 18. The casing 12 can also include a bottom
casing element 20. In one embodiment, the bottom casing element 20
can include a stool member 22 and an apron member 24. In the
illustrated embodiment, stool member 22 has a rectangular cross
section and extends perpendicularly from the wall surface towards
the interior of the home or building. Also in the illustrated
embodiment, apron member 24 has a rectangular cross section and is
situated beneath stool member 22 such that it lies flat, parallel
to the interior wall surface. In one embodiment, the apron member
24 can have mitered or profiled ends or returns. In an exemplary
embodiment, the pre-fabricated casing 12 can be of a generally
rectangular shape, however in other embodiments it can take other
shapes including, but not limited to, circular, hexagonal,
half-moon, or oval. A plurality of extension jambs 26 can be joined
to the casing 12 and can extend perpendicularly thereto. The
extension jambs 26 can be attached to the casing 12 using a variety
of known fasteners, including nails, screws, staples, or glue. In
the illustrated embodiment, once joined together, the casing 12 and
the extension jambs 26 form a generally L-shaped cross section.
[0027] As depicted in FIG. 2, the interior window trim assembly 10
can be installed around a window frame assembly 28. In the
illustrated embodiment, pre-fabricated casing 12 surrounds window
frame assembly 28 and provides an aesthetically appealing finish
treatment for the interior of the home or building.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the interior
window trim assembly described herein can be custom sized at the
factory or some other off-site location, either before being
purchased or before being delivered to the user. As an example,
extension jambs 26 can be custom sized at the factory to a variety
of depths such that the desired spacing between the window frame
assembly 28 and the casing 12 can be achieved. In one embodiment,
the interior window trim assembly 10 can be custom sized at the
factory to fit a variety of popular window sizes and shapes. In
other embodiments, the casing 12 can be available in a number of
different styles, for example Colonial and Windsor styles. The
interior window trim assembly 10 can be constructed from wood in
the preferred embodiment, however it can also be made from plastic,
vinyl, aluminum, or other suitable material or materials in other
embodiments.
[0029] The casing 12 and extension jambs 26 can be pre-fabricated
and pre-assembled so that, once delivered to a work site, a quick
and simple installation can be performed. Further, the interior
window trim assembly 10 can be pre-finished either on-site or
off-site. Additional finish work can be performed off-site, such as
sanding, cleaning, priming, staining, or painting the interior
window trim assembly 10. This serves to further reduce the time and
skill required to finish a window using the interior window trim
assembly described herein. In one embodiment, the interior window
trim assembly 10 can be shrink-wrapped using a high-grade film or
other durable packaging so as to protect the interior window trim
assembly 10 from water, dirt, dust, and handling damage during
transport from the factory to the job site.
[0030] FIG. 3A shows a cross sectional view from above of an
un-finished window installation in a building wall 30. Building
wall 30 has an interior surface 36 and an exterior surface 38.
These surfaces can be constructed from drywall, plaster, brick,
wood, aluminum, vinyl, stone, or other material. Window framing
members 32 define a rough window opening 33. A window frame
assembly 28 can be mounted in the rough window opening 33 by
methods known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the window
frame assembly 28 contains channels 34. The interior surface 36 of
building wall 30 can have rough edges 40 and 42 where it meets the
rough window opening 33. Further, without some kind of finish
treatment, framing member surfaces 44 and 46 can be exposed.
[0031] FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view of the same building
wall 30, this time with the interior window trim assembly described
herein installed. Extension jambs 26 can provide a finished
appearance for the previously exposed framing member surfaces 44
and 46. Likewise, the casing 12 can cover the unfinished edges 40
and 42 of interior wall surface 36. As illustrated, ends 48 and 50
of the extension jambs 26 engage the channels 34 in the window
frame assembly 28. A plurality of nails 52 can be used to affix the
casing 12 to the interior wall surface 36 or the window framing
members 32. Screws, staples, double-sided adhesive members, or
other means of fastening can also be employed for this purpose. In
other embodiments, the interior window trim assembly 10 can be
fastened to the window frame assembly 28, or can be fastened both
to the window frame assembly 28 and the window framing members
32.
[0032] The casing elements of the interior window trim assembly
described herein can be mated to each other in a variety of
different ways. In an exemplary embodiment, a mitered, mortise and
tenon or biscuit style joint is used wherever two casing or trim
elements meet. The use of a mortise and tenon joint or biscuit
style joint can provide for a stronger joint than simply gluing or
otherwise mating two parallel surfaces together. In one embodiment,
the casing elements are miter cut at each end to an angle between 0
and 90 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the side casing
elements 16 and 18 and the top casing element 14 have 45 degree
miter cuts at each end. The mitered ends can then be mated using a
variety of different methods, for example using a biscuit or
mortise and tenon style joint. One benefit of finger joint
arrangements like mortise and tenon and biscuit joints is that they
resist warping and bending due to moisture, heat, or cold. An
additional benefit is that they help provide an expert fit and
finish often desired by building and home owners. An example of a
mortise and tenon joint is illustrated in FIG. 4A. A first trim
element 52 can have a tenon 54, or other male component, extending
from a face 56 that can be mated to a second trim element 58. A
face 60 of the second trim element 58 can be mated with the face 56
of the first trim element 52, and further, can contain a mortise
62, or other female receptacle. Tenon 54 and mortise 62 are sized
such that tenon 54 can be received either partially or wholly
within mortise 62. Tenon 54 can be held within mortise 62 by
gluing, pinning, wedging, or other methods known in the art.
[0033] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a biscuit joint. Two trim
elements 72 and 74 can have faces 64 and 66 that can be mated to
each other. Faces 64 and 66 can be machined with slots 68 and 69. A
biscuit 70 can then be sandwiched between the two trim elements 72
and 74 such that approximately half of the biscuit 70 protrudes
into the slot 69 on the first trim element 72 and the other
approximately half of the biscuit 70 protrudes into the slot 68 on
the second trim element 74. The biscuit 70 can be constructed of
wood, plastic, or any other suitable material. The biscuit 70 can
be coated with glue or other adhesive prior to assembly to secure
the two trim elements 72 and 74 to each other. In one embodiment,
the trim elements 14, 16, 18, and 20 can be joined using biscuit
joints.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevational view of an embodiment
in which the interior window trim assembly 10' has a simple picture
frame configuration. In this embodiment, the bottom casing element
20' is the same or similar to the top casing element 14', creating
a symmetrical appearance. The top casing element 14' and bottom
casing element 20' are joined to respective ends of the side casing
elements 16', 18' using mitered joints 76. In exemplary
embodiments, mitered joints 76 can be of a mortise and tenon or
biscuit style joinery.
[0035] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and
advantages of the invention based on the above-described
embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by
what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated
by the appended claims. All publications and references cited
herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
* * * * *